With Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent call for a snap election set for April,
Canadians are turning their attention to the nation’s political landscape, carefully
considering which party will best shape the country’s future.
On Thursday, March 27 th , Isidora Bašanović represented Serbian news at an ethnic media roundtable just hours before the Conservatives ‘Canada First’ rally took place in Surrey, British Columbia.
Isidora had the opportunity to ask Pierre Poilievre, Honourable Leader of the Opposition, about his policy approach in light of Canada’s increasingly unpredictable relationship with the United States- particularly in response to former President Trump’s evolving foreign policy stance.
As Canada heads toward a snap election this April, the political climate is becoming increasingly turbulent, driven in part by heightened trade tensions with the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated tariff threats have strained Canada- U.S. relations, with his most recent announcement targeting Canadian automobile exports.
This move has raised concerns about the future of Canada’s economic stability and the resilience of key industries. As these uncertainties unfold, Canadian voters are looking closely at party platforms to determine which leadership can best navigate these complex challenges.
Isidora had the opportunity to ask Pierre Poilievre, Honourable Leader of the Opposition, about his policy approach in light of Canada’s increasingly unpredictable relationship with the United States- particularly in response to former President Trump’s evolving foreign policy stance.A High-Stakes Election: Who Can Best Handle Trump’s Return?
Now, Canadians are weighing which leader is best equipped to manage an increasingly volatile relationship with the United States. Regardless of the outcome, the next prime minister will inevitably face the challenge of navigating Donald Trump’s unpredictable policies.
The race is shaping up as a showdown between Mark Carney, the newly appointed Liberal leader, and Pierre Poilievre, who has led the Conservative Party since 2022.
While the left-leaning New Democrats (NDP) and the Bloc Québécois will also contest seats in Parliament, history suggests that Canadians are likely to choose between the Liberals and Conservatives to guide the country through these uncertain times.
Amid growing uncertainty surrounding U.S. foreign policy, Canadian Prime Minister
Mark Carney has emphasized the need to strengthen Canada’s relationships with
European allies. With Trump’s tariff threats and isolationist rhetoric creating instability, Carney is advocating for a shift toward deeper economic and diplomatic ties with Europe. He envisions leveraging Canada’s longstanding partnerships with the European Union to ensure greater trade diversification, reduce reliance on the U.S. market, and promote a more stable foundation for Canada’s international engagement.
Focusing on Canada’s Export Potential: Poilievre on Strengthening Ties with
Europe
Isidora Basanovic pressed Pierre Poilievre on whether his government would prioritize strengthening Canada’s relationship with European allies- particularly by expanding natural gas exports to meet Europe’s growing energy demands.
In response, the Honourable Leader of the Opposition acknowledged that while “there have been many signed trade agreements with Europe and Asia,” Canada has not yet seen a significant “increase of the share of exports going to Europe.” Poilievre emphasized the need to bolster Canada’s physical infrastructure to deliver these critical resources to international markets, noting that “Europe is crying out for our energy.”
He underscored Canada’s abundance of natural resources and highlighted the urgent need to build export terminals, pointing out that the U.S. has seven terminals to export natural gas, and Canada does not have one.”
Conclusion: Canada at a Crossroads: Defining the Future Amid Global
Uncertainty
As Canada approaches a pivotal election in April, voters are faced with critical decisions that will shape the nation’s future on the global stage. With Donald Trump’s return to prominence and mounting trade tensions threatening economic stability, Canadians are evaluating which leader—Mark Carney or Pierre Poilievre—can best navigate these turbulent waters.
Carney advocates for strengthening ties with Europe to diversify trade and reduce
reliance on the U.S., while Poilievre emphasizes the need to enhance Canada’s
infrastructure to capitalize on its abundant natural resources and meet Europe’s energy demands.
As highlighted by Isidora Basanovic’s engagement at the ethnic media roundtable,
questions surrounding Canada’s foreign policy direction, energy strategy, and
international partnerships remain top of mind for many voters. The outcome of this
election will determine not only Canada’s domestic priorities but also its role in an
increasingly unpredictable global environment.
SERBIANNEWS/CANADA
